NDF condemns arrest of wounded NPA leader in Bukidnon

The National Democratic Front (NDF) condemned on Tuesday the arrest of a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Bukidnon, warning the arrest may cause “adverse consequences” in the looming resumption of the peace talks.

NDF negotiating panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili said the arrest of NPA leader Elizalde Cañete while receiving treatment may “jeopardize” the ongoing back channel talks between the two parties.

“Likewise, we warn the GRP that any harm done to Cañete can have adverse consequences to the efforts of both sides to resume the peace negotiations,” Agcaoili said in a statement.

“It can jeopardize the back-channel talks for making preparations for the resumption of the stalled peace talks that have already reached an advanced stage,” he added.

Cañete, also known as Ka Jinggoy, was arrested inside a hospital in Don Carlos, Bukidnon around 10 a.m. on May 12 by members of the military. He was reportedly wounded in a recent clash in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

He was accused for being responsible for the series of attacks in Davao and nearby areas last year, including the attack against Lapanday Foods Corp. (LFC).

The leader was also tagged as a successor to Leoncio Pitao, alias Commander Parago, who was killed in an encounter in Paquibato district here in 2015.

READ: NPA leader arrested while getting treatment in Bukidnon hospital

Agcaoili reminded the government to observe its obligations under the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

“We remind the Government of the Republic of the Philippines of its obligations under CARHRIHL that the GRP and the NDFP have signed as the first substantive item in the agenda of the peace negotiations,” he said.

Quoting the document, Agcaoili said Part IV, Article 4, no. 1 of the CARHRIHL states that persons hors de combat—or those out of action because of their injury—are “entitled to respect for their lives, dignity, human rights, political convictions and their moral and physical integrity and shall be protected in all circumstances and treated humanely.

He added that no. 6 of the agreement states that persons deprived of their liberty due to armed conflict “ shall be treated humanely, provided with adequate food and drinking water, and be afforded safeguards as regards to health and hygiene, and be confined in a secure place.”   /muf